(Middletown, PA – May 1, 2014)  The Harrisburg International Airport maintenance and operations teams—nicknamed the Winter Weather Warriors—were recognized for their efforts at last weekend’s NEC/AAAE International Aviation Snow Symposium in Buffalo.

At the symposium, the HIA team earned an Honorable Mention in the Small Commercial Service Airport category.

“It truly takes a total team effort to keep this airport open and safe during inclement weather—especially during the winter months,” said Marshall Stevens, deputy executive director of Harrisburg International Airport.  “However, the winter of 2013-2014 was one of the more difficult in memory.  The commitment these men and women made to this facility, our tenants, and to travelers into and out of this region was truly outstanding.  To be honored by their peers and the industry is an incredible accomplishment.”

March 2014 passenger traffic increases 3.4 percent

The Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA) reported that March 2014 passenger traffic at Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) increased 3.4 percent compared to March 2013 as 111,453 passengers used the facility.  For the first quarter of 2014, a total of 289,513 passengers used the facility which was down one percent compared to 2013.  The quarter’s overall departing load factor (percentage of seats sold) was 83.5 percent—a new high.

“A combination of better weather and strong business travel generated increased passenger traffic during March 2014,” said SARAA Board member Timothy Tate.  “US Airways, Delta, American Eagle and Air Canada all posted increases in March traffic compared to last year.  Business travel to Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Detroit has increased 15 percent so far in 2014 compared to early 2013.”

Clean Unmodified Audit

BKD LLP, Indianapolis IN, completed its audit of SARAA’s basic financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 providing a clean unmodified opinion.

“Over the past few months, the BKD staff has conducted a thorough review and analysis of our financial statements, internal controls over financial reporting and compliance with government auditing standards,” said Authority Chairman Fred Sembach.  “We’re pleased to receive a clean unmodified opinion which is the highest judgment that the authority can earn.  Our staff continues to manage SARAA’s finances accurately, responsibly and in a transparent manner.”

The next SARAA Board meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 28^th, 2014 at 8:00 am, in the David C. McIntosh Boardroom located on the third floor of the HIA Terminal Building.

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Harrisburg International Airport is served by seven major airlines with approximately 100 flights daily to 15 non-stop destinations.  HIA is owned by SARAA, a multi-municipal authority whose mission is to serve the region by providing high quality, efficient airports and promoting regional economic development.  SARAA was incorporated in 1997 to manage and oversee the economic development of Harrisburg International Airport and Capital City Airport.  SARAA board members are volunteer community leaders appointed by the elected officials from the counties of Cumberland, Dauphin and York, the cities of Harrisburg and York, and the townships of Fairview and Lower Swatara.  On July 29^th, 2004, SARAA acquired the Chambersburg Municipal Airport and renamed it the Franklin County Regional Airport and on August 25^th, 2006, SARAA acquired the Gettysburg Travel Center and renamed it the Gettysburg Regional Airport.  In 2012, combined these four facilities handled approximately 10,000 aircraft operations generated a total economic output of more than $991 million.